Toon Pair Help England Win

Freddie Woodman and Alex Gilliead both played as England under-17s beat Estonia in a European Championship qualifier

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Newcastle pair Freddie Woodman and Alex Gilliead helped England under-17s get their European Championship qualifying campaign off to a winning start against group hosts Estonia.

The Young Lions won 2-0 in Tallinn on Saturday with goalkeeper Woodman playing the whole game and forward Gilliead appearing as a 68th minute substitute and produced a lively showing.

Amazingly Woodman, 15, has still yet to concede a goal for his country in four appearances. This was his third cap at under-17 level while he has also played once for the under-16s without being beaten.

It was Gilliead's under-17s debut. The 15-year-old from Consett has four caps at under-16 level.

England now face Wales, who beat Northern Ireland 4-0 in the group's other game, on Tuesday before taking on the Ulstermen on Friday. The top two teams go through to the Elite Round of qualifying with the finals taking place in Slovakia next May.